Starting April 1, 2025, several key financial and policy changes will take effect. The new tax year will introduce revised tax slabs for salaried employees. LPG and PNG prices are expected to be adjusted, affecting household budgets. Travelers may face higher expenses as the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) is likely to increase toll rates on major routes. These changes will impact daily expenses, taxation, and transportation costs.
NHAI Toll Revision: Higher Charges from April 1
From April 1, toll rates on major highways will be revised, leading to higher travel costs. The increase will range between ₹5 and ₹10, which may also affect public transport fares. Key routes in Uttar Pradesh, including Lucknow-Kanpur, Varanasi-Gorakhpur, and Lucknow-Ayodhya, will see higher charges. NHAI is set to release updated toll rates for Delhi-NCR, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Karnataka, and other states.
Fuel Price Updates: Possible Changes from April 1
Oil companies adjust fuel prices every month, including LPG, CNG, PNG, and ATF. While household LPG cylinder rates have remained stable, commercial cylinder prices frequently change. On March 1, 2025, the cost of a 19 kg commercial cylinder rose to ₹1,803, though February saw a ₹7 reduction. Reports suggest a possible price cut for 14 kg domestic LPG cylinders soon.
Similarly, revised rates for CNG, PNG, and ATF will be announced. Changes in CNG prices could impact travel costs, while a hike in ATF rates may lead to increased airfares.
New Income Tax Slabs Effective from April 1
Starting this fiscal year, the new income tax slabs announced in the Union Budget 2025 will be implemented. Under the new tax regime, a salaried individual with a ₹12 LPA CTC will not have to pay any tax. Even those earning slightly above ₹12 lakh may be exempt due to the ₹75,000 standard deduction. However, these benefits apply only to those opting for the new tax regime, while standard deductions under the old regime remain unchanged.
Key Changes from April 1: UPI and Pension Scheme Updates
Starting tomorrow, UPI-linked mobile numbers that have been inactive for a long time will be removed from bank records, making payments through those numbers unavailable.
Additionally, the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) will be launched, allowing central government employees to apply once the portal goes live. Around 23 lakh employees are expected to enroll, with a minimum pension of ₹10,000 for those with at least 10 years of service.
Key Changes Starting April 1st:
Debit Card Changes (RuPay Debit Select Card)
✔ New perks: Spa sessions, personal accident insurance, golf lessons, OTT memberships, gym memberships, health check-ups, cab coupons, and more.
✔ Airport Lounge Access: Both domestic & international lounges included.
Credit Card Changes
✔ SBI Credit Cards: Reward structure changes for Air India SBI Platinum & SBI SimplyCLICK cards.
✔ Axis Bank Vistara Credit Card: Benefit revision due to the Air India-Vistara merger—expect travel perks updates.
Banking Norms (Minimum Balance Rules)
✔ Mandatory Minimum Balance: All banks, including SBI and private banks, will enforce a minimum balance rule.
✔ Penalty: Failing to maintain the required balance could result in hefty penalties.